Quick Overview
- 1#1: Square - All-in-one POS system for handling payments, inventory, sales analytics, and customer loyalty in coffee shops.
- 2#2: Toast - Comprehensive cloud-based restaurant management platform with POS, online ordering, and kitchen display for busy coffee shops.
- 3#3: Lightspeed Restaurant - POS and management software offering inventory control, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for cafes.
- 4#4: Revel Systems - iPad-based POS system with real-time reporting, inventory management, and integrations for coffee shop operations.
- 5#5: Clover - Flexible POS hardware and software for payments, custom apps, inventory, and loyalty programs in small cafes.
- 6#6: TouchBistro - iPad POS designed for restaurants and coffee shops, featuring floor plans, menu management, and analytics.
- 7#7: Lavu - Cloud POS system with inventory tracking, employee management, and online ordering for coffee shops.
- 8#8: SpotOn - Restaurant POS platform with competitive pricing, marketing tools, and delivery integrations for cafes.
- 9#9: Epos Now - Complete POS solution for retail and hospitality, including stock control and CRM for coffee shops.
- 10#10: Loyverse - Free POS app with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty features ideal for small coffee shops.
We evaluated these tools based on feature depth, usability, performance, and value, ensuring they deliver robust solutions for tasks like POS processing, inventory tracking, and customer engagement.
Comparison Table
Explore the landscape of coffee shop management software with a comparison table featuring Square, Toast, Lightspeed Restaurant, Revel Systems, Clover, and more. This guide outlines key features, pricing models, and user-friendliness to help coffee shop owners identify the best tool for their specific operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Square All-in-one POS system for handling payments, inventory, sales analytics, and customer loyalty in coffee shops. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 2 | Toast Comprehensive cloud-based restaurant management platform with POS, online ordering, and kitchen display for busy coffee shops. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Lightspeed Restaurant POS and management software offering inventory control, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for cafes. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Revel Systems iPad-based POS system with real-time reporting, inventory management, and integrations for coffee shop operations. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 5 | Clover Flexible POS hardware and software for payments, custom apps, inventory, and loyalty programs in small cafes. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 6 | TouchBistro iPad POS designed for restaurants and coffee shops, featuring floor plans, menu management, and analytics. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | Lavu Cloud POS system with inventory tracking, employee management, and online ordering for coffee shops. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | SpotOn Restaurant POS platform with competitive pricing, marketing tools, and delivery integrations for cafes. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | Epos Now Complete POS solution for retail and hospitality, including stock control and CRM for coffee shops. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Loyverse Free POS app with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty features ideal for small coffee shops. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
All-in-one POS system for handling payments, inventory, sales analytics, and customer loyalty in coffee shops.
Comprehensive cloud-based restaurant management platform with POS, online ordering, and kitchen display for busy coffee shops.
POS and management software offering inventory control, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for cafes.
iPad-based POS system with real-time reporting, inventory management, and integrations for coffee shop operations.
Flexible POS hardware and software for payments, custom apps, inventory, and loyalty programs in small cafes.
iPad POS designed for restaurants and coffee shops, featuring floor plans, menu management, and analytics.
Cloud POS system with inventory tracking, employee management, and online ordering for coffee shops.
Restaurant POS platform with competitive pricing, marketing tools, and delivery integrations for cafes.
Complete POS solution for retail and hospitality, including stock control and CRM for coffee shops.
Free POS app with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty features ideal for small coffee shops.
Square
specializedAll-in-one POS system for handling payments, inventory, sales analytics, and customer loyalty in coffee shops.
Free, subscription-free POS software with instant payment processing and zero upfront costs for basic hardware.
Square is a versatile point-of-sale (POS) system designed for small businesses like coffee shops, providing seamless payment processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and online ordering capabilities. It supports customizable menus for quick-service operations, loyalty programs to boost repeat customers, and real-time sales reporting accessible via mobile or iPad apps. With no monthly software fees, Square excels in affordability while integrating hardware like card readers for countertop or mobile use.
Pros
- No monthly software fees, only pay-per-transaction
- Intuitive mobile-first interface perfect for busy coffee shops
- Seamless integration of payments, inventory, and loyalty programs
Cons
- Transaction fees (2.6% + 10¢) can add up for high-volume sales
- Advanced inventory features limited compared to enterprise solutions
- Customer support primarily email/chat, no phone for free tier
Best For
Small to medium coffee shops seeking an affordable, easy-to-use all-in-one POS with built-in payments and minimal setup.
Pricing
Free POS software; 2.6% + 10¢ per in-person transaction, 2.9% + 30¢ for online/keyed; hardware starts at $0 (reader) up to $799 (registers).
Toast
specializedComprehensive cloud-based restaurant management platform with POS, online ordering, and kitchen display for busy coffee shops.
Built-in online ordering and Toast TakeOut app for seamless digital and in-store order management
Toast is a robust cloud-based POS and restaurant management platform tailored for quick-service establishments like coffee shops, handling everything from order taking and payments to inventory management and customer loyalty programs. It offers real-time reporting, online ordering, delivery integrations (e.g., DoorDash, Uber Eats), and employee scheduling to optimize operations. Designed for scalability, it supports both countertop and mobile hardware setups ideal for fast-paced coffee shop environments.
Pros
- Extensive integrations with delivery and payment providers streamline coffee shop fulfillment
- Advanced inventory tracking for perishables like coffee beans and milk
- Real-time analytics and loyalty programs boost customer retention
Cons
- Higher pricing can strain small independent coffee shops
- Initial hardware and setup costs are substantial
- Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy staff
Best For
Medium to high-volume coffee shops needing scalable POS with strong online ordering and analytics capabilities.
Pricing
Custom plans start at $69/month per terminal (Core), $165/month (Growth), plus hardware (~$500-$1,500 upfront or leased) and 2.99%+ transaction fees.
Lightspeed Restaurant
enterprisePOS and management software offering inventory control, staff scheduling, and multi-location support for cafes.
Real-time inventory forecasting and automated reordering tailored for perishable goods like coffee supplies
Lightspeed Restaurant is a robust cloud-based POS and management system designed for restaurants and quick-service businesses like coffee shops, offering real-time inventory tracking, order management, and customer loyalty tools. It supports high-volume transactions with features like customizable modifiers for drinks, kitchen display systems, and integrations for online ordering and delivery. The platform provides detailed reporting and analytics to optimize operations in busy coffee environments.
Pros
- Advanced inventory management with recipe costing ideal for coffee beans and ingredients
- Fast transaction processing and customizable order modifiers for complex drinks
- Comprehensive reporting and multi-location support
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit very small coffee shops
- Learning curve for full feature set
- Additional hardware costs can add up
Best For
Growing coffee shops with high transaction volumes and complex inventory needs that require scalable, enterprise-grade tools.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per location for Essential plan, up to $199/month for Premium; hardware sold separately with one-time fees.
Revel Systems
specializediPad-based POS system with real-time reporting, inventory management, and integrations for coffee shop operations.
Offline mode with automatic cloud sync for uninterrupted service during internet outages
Revel Systems is a cloud-based, iPad-centric POS solution tailored for restaurants and retail, including coffee shops, offering fast transaction processing, customizable menu modifiers for drinks like lattes and frappes, and robust inventory tracking for beans and supplies. It provides real-time sales reporting, customer loyalty programs, and online ordering integration to streamline operations. Multi-location support and kitchen display systems make it suitable for scaling coffee businesses.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking for coffee supplies
- Customizable menus and modifiers ideal for quick-service coffee orders
- Strong integrations for online ordering and loyalty programs
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs for iPads and peripherals
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and setup
- Subscription pricing can add up for multiple terminals
Best For
Busy, multi-location coffee shops seeking scalable POS with advanced inventory and reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month per terminal (Starter plan), plus hardware (~$1,000+ per iPad setup) and processing fees.
Clover
specializedFlexible POS hardware and software for payments, custom apps, inventory, and loyalty programs in small cafes.
Extensive app marketplace with over 500 integrations for loyalty programs, online ordering, and coffee-specific tools like brew timers.
Clover is a comprehensive POS system designed for small businesses including coffee shops, providing payment processing, inventory management, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty tools. It features customizable menus with modifiers for drinks like extra shots or alternative milks, real-time reporting on sales and inventory, and an extensive app marketplace for integrations with delivery services and accounting software. Ideal for handling high-volume transactions in fast-paced environments, Clover scales from countertop devices to full stations.
Pros
- Intuitive touchscreen interface with customizable layouts for quick order entry
- Strong inventory tracking for ingredients and supplies with low-stock alerts
- Reliable payment processing supporting contactless, EMV, and multiple tender types
Cons
- Hardware requires significant upfront investment
- Advanced features often need paid app marketplace add-ons
- Customer support can be inconsistent with reliance on self-service resources
Best For
Busy independent coffee shops needing robust POS hardware and scalability without full restaurant-level complexity.
Pricing
Software plans start at $14.95/month (Register) to $99.85/month (Station Duo) per device, plus 2.3% + $0.10 processing fees; hardware from $49 to $1,699.
TouchBistro
specializediPad POS designed for restaurants and coffee shops, featuring floor plans, menu management, and analytics.
Spotlit analytics dashboard providing deep insights into sales trends, peak hours, and menu performance tailored to high-volume beverage sales
TouchBistro is a robust, iPad-based POS system tailored primarily for restaurants and hospitality venues, offering seamless order management, payment processing, inventory tracking, and staff scheduling. For coffee shops, it excels in handling high-volume quick-service transactions, menu customization for drinks and add-ons, and customer loyalty programs. While feature-rich, it adapts well to fast-paced environments but may feel overbuilt for very simple operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive inventory management with real-time tracking for ingredients like coffee beans and syrups
- Strong loyalty and marketing tools to build repeat coffee shop customers
- Offline functionality ensures uninterrupted service during peak hours or connectivity issues
Cons
- Higher pricing may not suit small, single-location coffee shops
- iPad hardware requirement adds upfront costs
- More oriented toward full-service restaurants, with a steeper learning curve for basic coffee shop needs
Best For
Growing coffee shops or chains needing advanced reporting, multi-location support, and integrated loyalty programs.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $69/month per terminal for Starter plan, up to $165+/month for premium tiers; hardware and add-ons extra.
Lavu
specializedCloud POS system with inventory tracking, employee management, and online ordering for coffee shops.
Fully functional offline mode that syncs data when reconnected, ideal for busy coffee shops in areas with spotty internet.
Lavu is a cloud-based POS system designed for restaurants, cafes, and quick-service outlets like coffee shops, offering tablet-based order entry, payment processing, and inventory management. It supports customizable menus with modifiers for drinks (e.g., syrups, milk alternatives), employee scheduling, loyalty programs, and real-time reporting. Lavu also integrates with online ordering platforms and third-party delivery services, making it suitable for modern coffee shop operations.
Pros
- Intuitive tablet interface for fast counter service and mobile ordering
- Strong inventory tracking with recipe costing for coffee ingredients
- Offline mode ensures uninterrupted service during connectivity issues
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with additional terminals and add-ons
- Limited advanced coffee-specific tools like batch brewing timers
- Customer support can be slow outside business hours
Best For
Small to medium independent coffee shops needing reliable mobile POS and inventory control without complex enterprise features.
Pricing
Starts at $69/month per terminal (Starter plan) up to $199/month (Ultimate), plus 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction processing and hardware costs.
SpotOn
specializedRestaurant POS platform with competitive pricing, marketing tools, and delivery integrations for cafes.
SpotOn Terminal: An all-in-one device combining POS, payments, kitchen display, and self-order kiosk functionality.
SpotOn is a versatile POS and payment processing platform tailored for quick-service businesses like coffee shops, offering tools for transactions, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and customer loyalty programs. It supports online ordering, delivery integrations, and detailed sales reporting to streamline operations. While robust for payments and general management, it lacks deep specialization in coffee-specific features like recipe costing or waste minimization.
Pros
- Competitive payment processing rates with no hidden fees
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for on-the-go management
- Strong integrations for online ordering and loyalty programs
Cons
- Hardware can be expensive upfront
- Limited advanced inventory tools for perishable coffee goods
- Customer support response times vary
Best For
Small to medium coffee shops needing reliable POS and payment solutions with marketing capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at $49/month for POS software, plus 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction and hardware from $500+.
Epos Now
enterpriseComplete POS solution for retail and hospitality, including stock control and CRM for coffee shops.
Vast integrations marketplace connecting to delivery services, accounting, and coffee-specific apps like BeanStats.
Epos Now is a cloud-based POS system tailored for retail and hospitality, including coffee shops, offering seamless transaction processing, inventory management, and customer loyalty tools. It supports quick-service workflows with features like table ordering, kitchen display systems, and real-time reporting to track coffee sales and stock levels. The platform integrates with accounting software and delivery apps, making it suitable for busy coffee environments.
Pros
- Robust inventory tracking for coffee beans and perishables
- Loyalty programs and CRM to boost repeat visits
- Extensive app marketplace with 100+ integrations
Cons
- Upfront hardware costs can be steep
- Some users report occasional glitches in updates
- Advanced features locked behind higher tiers
Best For
Small to medium coffee shops needing scalable POS with strong integrations for inventory and customer management.
Pricing
Starts at £25/month per terminal (billed annually), plus hardware from £399; enterprise plans custom-quoted.
Loyverse
specializedFree POS app with sales tracking, inventory, and loyalty features ideal for small coffee shops.
Unlimited free transactions and users on the core POS plan
Loyverse is a free, cloud-based POS system tailored for small businesses like coffee shops, offering mobile apps for iOS and Android along with a web dashboard. It handles sales processing, inventory management with modifiers for customizable drinks, employee scheduling and time tracking, and customer loyalty programs. The platform provides real-time sales reports and analytics, making it suitable for quick-service environments with features like offline mode support.
Pros
- Generous free plan with core POS, inventory, and employee tools
- Intuitive mobile-first interface ideal for on-the-go baristas
- Strong support for menu modifiers and quick-service workflows
Cons
- Advanced analytics and loyalty features require paid add-ons
- Limited built-in recipe costing or batch tracking for coffee inventory
- Reporting depth lags behind specialized restaurant POS systems
Best For
Small to medium coffee shops seeking an affordable, user-friendly POS for basic operations without complex enterprise needs.
Pricing
Free basic plan forever; add-ons like Employee Management ($5/mo/store), Analytics ($10/mo/store), and Loyalty Cards ($5/mo/store).
Conclusion
The top coffee shop management software tools excel at streamlining operations, and among them, Square leads as the top choice, offering a robust all-in-one solution. Toast and Lightspeed Restaurant are strong alternatives, each tailored to specific needs—Toast for busy venues and Lightspeed for multi-location cafes—ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every coffee shop.
Take the first step toward smoother operations: explore Square’s comprehensive features and transform your coffee shop’s efficiency today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison